Deadline Date: August 03, 2026
The Ceredigion County Council is seeking applications for the Cynnal y Cardi – Local Growth Fund to strengthen business resilience, stimulate economic growth and contribute to the long-term prosperity of Ceredigion.
The programme aims to increase capital investment in businesses with high growth potential, support the growth and expansion of new and existing businesses, facilitate the development of the social enterprise sector, promote job creation, workforce development, and increased wage levels, while giving priority to projects that demonstrate innovation, access to higher-value markets, and the adoption of new or creative approaches. Priority sectors include Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering, Horticulture and Forestry, Construction, Digital, Energy, Food and Drink, Retail, and Tourism and Leisure.
Funding is available from a minimum of £2,500 up to £50,000, with each grant covering up to 50% of eligible project costs. Eligible funding can be used for capital expenditure such as new or second-hand plant machinery and specialist equipment, improvements to commercial premises that support business development, green factory vehicles used in industrial or manufacturing settings, and IT or digital hardware directly linked to the project.
Support is also available for specialist revenue expenditure associated with capital investment, including technical training related to new equipment, machinery installation and commissioning, specialist software required to operate new equipment, and charges related to the delivery of capital equipment.
The grant cannot be used for staff costs, taxes, bank charges, contingency costs, expenses incurred before grant approval, grant application fees, feasibility studies, membership fees, working capital, commercial vans or general vehicles, routine repairs and maintenance, replacement of standard office furniture or equipment, renewable energy installations, statutory compliance costs, VAT for VAT-registered businesses, cash purchases, leased or financed items, or the purchase of land or property.
The grant is open to start-up businesses, micro businesses, and small and medium-sized enterprises with fewer than 250 employees that have a registered business address in Ceredigion. The funded investment must support their business operations within the county, and applicants must demonstrate plans for business growth through increased employment, turnover, productivity, innovation, or market expansion.
For more information, visit Ceredigion County Council.
